And Breeders’ Cup Classic Berth
The Lion in Winter Takes Acomb Stakes for Free Starting Position into Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar
Breeders’ Cup Release
YORK, U.K. ─ Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s City of Troy recorded a spectacular success Wednesday under Ryan Moore in the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York. With his victory in the 1 1/4-mile contest for 3-year-olds and up, City of Troy earned an automatic starting position into the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In.
Earlier in the program, The Lion in Winter (IRE) was an impressive winner of the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (G3) over 7 furlongs for 2-year-olds, landing an automatic berth into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).
The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series is an international series of 82 stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, scheduled to be held Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California.
It was to the surprise of many that Ryan Moore made the running on City of Troy in the Juddmonte International. Sent off as the 5-4 favorite, the son of Justify broke sharply from the stalls with Moore eager to take control early. He quickly seized the lead, showing too much speed for his intended pacemaker, Hans Anderson (GB).
As the field turned for home, the pace began to quicken, and Calandagan (FR) made a move to challenge City of Troy. However, City of Troy kept galloping for Moore, and went on to win by 1 length over the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained Calandagan. Ghostwriter (IRE) finished 3 1/2 lengths back in third.
It was a seventh career win in the York showpiece for O’Brien, who is now the most successful trainer in the history of the race, surpassing the legendary Sir Michael Stoute.
A delighted Aidan O’Brien said: “It didn’t go according to plan, but what an incredible ride by Ryan (Moore). We’ve always felt (City of Troy) was something very different. He loves bowling along and loves to be up with the pace. It was incredible what he did, and I thought he went through the line really well. He’s the most special horse we’ve ever had.”
Connections had earmarked a trip to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup Classic earlier this year, and that now looks a very real possibility as O’Brien looks to finally gain a first win in one of very few races which has eluded him.
O’Brien added: “Everything he does suggests, and we’re hoping, that the lads will go to the Classic with him. That would be some dream for him. He has that natural gate speed and it’s in there wanting to come out. It was incredible what he did today, and he went through the line very strongly.”
It was a third win in the Juddmonte International for jockey Ryan Moore, who previously steered Notnowcato (GB) and Japan (GB) to victory.
Moore spoke glowingly about City of Troy after the race, saying: “We let the horse do the talking, andhe’s gone out and done it again. I wanted to let him use his rhythm and he traveled beautifully the whole way. He’s a very talented racehorse, a super horse really.”
On ground listed as good to firm, City of Troy set a new course record which had stood since Sea the Stars (IRE) won the same race in 2009. Wednesday’s winning time of 2:04:32 was 1 second quicker than Sea The Stars’ time of 2:05:29.
‘The Lion’ Roars in Acomb
Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs. John Magnier’s The Lion in Wintermaintained his unbeaten record as he lowered the colors of Godolphin’s Ruling Court,who could only finish thirdin the Tattersalls Acomb Stakes.
In a fast-run race, the son of Sea The Stars struck the front with 2 furlongs to go and stayed the trip strongly to beat his nearest rival, Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB),by 1 3/4 lengths.
Ryan Moore, who kicked off a treble on the day in this race, said: “He’s done that nicely. He won well at The Curragh on debut. He got away well today and galloped all the way through the line. I’m very happy with him.”
Trainer Aidan O’Brien said of The Lion in Winter: “We came here for experience, but we were a little bit afraid as York can be sharp enough. It’s a quick 7 furlongs but obviously he has loads of class. You’dhave to be very impressed. He’s the only Sea The Stars we have. He’s very good-looking, which is why the lads bought him. You’d have to like everything he’s doing at the moment.”
The Lion in Winter, sent off at 2-1, set a new juvenile course record at York as he finished the 7 furlongs in 1.21.58.
As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees for City of Troy to start in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic, and for The Lion in Winter to start in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Stakes. Breeders’ Cup will also provide a travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships.
